The Wailing Wall: A Testament to a Thousand Years of Exile in Jerusalem

On the advent of a new year, Jews often exchange wishes: 'Next year, in Jerusalem' with a fervent desire for their savior to lead them back to their homeland, Jerusalem.

The Wailing Wall: A Testament to a Thousand Years of Exile in Jerusalem

For the Jewish people, the Western Wall or the Wailing Wall is the holiest site in the sacred land of Jerusalem. Every year, millions of believers and tourists embark on pilgrimages here. They often stand before the wall, offering reverent prayers. People inscribe their wishes on small pieces of paper, inserting them into the crevices of the wall. Devotees believe that by doing so at this wall, their earnest prayers will reach the Almighty and be answered.

Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to witness hundreds, even thousands, of Jewish worshippers sitting silently in prayer beside the Wailing Wall throughout the day. It is believed that continuous prayer for 40 days will bestow upon you many miracles from the Almighty.

When mentioning the Wailing Wall, many are aware of its status as the holiest place in Jerusalem. However, few understand clearly why it has become the holiest site.

Firstly, it stands as evidence of the rich and tumultuous history of the Jewish people.

According to the Bible, King Solomon's temple was built atop Temple Mount and was destroyed by the Babylonian army in 586 BC. During the reign of Herod the Great, the temple was rebuilt even more magnificently. In 70 AD, during the Jewish-Roman war, the temple was destroyed by the Roman army, leaving only the Western Wall standing as it does today.

In 135 AD, after suppressing the Jewish revolt, the Roman emperor issued a decree of exile, prohibiting Jews from going to Jerusalem to worship. The reason behind this action was the refusal of the Jewish people to worship the Roman emperor. Everything became easier during the reign of Emperor Constantine. The Jews were allowed to return to the city.

That's also why, before Israel regained independence, at the start of the new year, Jews often wish each other: 'Next year, in Jerusalem,' to express their unwavering desire to return to their homeland.

For over a thousand years, Jerusalem was governed under Islamic laws, and Arabs often used the wall as a gathering place for garbage. They did so to humiliate the Jews who came to pray at the Wall. This somewhat reflects the Jews' sorrow and lamentation for a thousand years of exile, for the disasters and misfortunes of their people, making their pain even greater. Moreover, they continue to pray with the belief that one day a savior will come to lead the Jewish people back to their homeland, Jerusalem.

In 1948, when the State of Israel was established, Jews and Arabs engaged in another fierce battle. Although victory belonged to the Jews, they did not gain control of the Old City, especially the extremely valuable heritage to them, the Wailing Wall. During the 6-day war in 1967, Israel emerged victorious and regained control of the entire Jerusalem. The country's military flattened the surrounding areas and created a large square with a capacity of nearly half a million people.

Besides the Wailing Wall, visitors to the ancient city of Jerusalem often come to visit historical landmarks such as the path of the Lord's walk, the Mount of Olives, the archaeological area of King David's city... Despite Israel's ongoing conflicts with neighboring countries in the border area, the country still welcomes around 3 million tourists every year to visit the religious relics that have existed for centuries.

According to Anh Minh/Vnexpress.

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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour